Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches (CIH) are important components of the American health care system and supports a focus on health and wellness. The CIH approaches advocate for care that is patient-centered, healing oriented, emphasize the therapeutic relationship, and use therapeutic approaches originating from conventional and alternative medicine. Health and wellness, mind and body, and natural products are key areas of focus within this area of study. Health care professionals and future health care professionals, wellness and fitness oriented professionals and students, and interested individuals benefit from competency in understanding and critically evaluating the various practices considered as complementary and alternative or integrative.
The focus of this certificate program is an educational foundation regarding the broad use of complementary and integrative practices. Through coursework, learners explore and evaluate the most common forms of CIH, the history and cultural applications of CIH practices, evidence-based and ethical use of CIH, and the critical evaluation of CIH information and research. Completion provides basic scientific knowledge and skills to critically evaluate the current and future use of integrative health care.
Note: Students must declare their intent to pursue this academic certificate. Professional advisors provide information and guidance to help students make informed educational decisions. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once each semester. To schedule an advising appointment, call the Office of Student Affairs appointment line at (414) 229-2758.
